DepEd: No changes yet on full face-to-face classes despite detection of Omicron XBB

There are no changes yet regarding the implementation of five-day in-person classes in public schools in November despite the detection of the COVID-19 Omicron XBB subvariant and XBC variant, the Department of Education (DepEd) said Wednesday.

In a public briefing, DepEd spokesperson Atty. Michael Poa was asked if the full implementation of face-to-face classes will push through starting November 2, or if there will be any amendments to it, considering that the Philippines has already recorded 81 cases of Omicron XBB subvariant and 193 cases of the XBC variant.

“Sa ngayon, wala pa tayong any advice on any change. In fact, kaka-issue lang natin ng DO 44 nung Monday. Tayo naman po sa [DepEd], of course, we will always take our cue from the advice given by the DOH pagdating sa mga health guidelines or any health concerns,” he said.

(Right now, there is no advice on any change. In fact, we just issued DO 44 on Monday. DepEd will always take its cue from the advice given by the DOH when it comes to health guidelines or any health concerns.)

“Sa ngayon, wala pa tayong pagbabago na maa-anunsyo doon sa amendatory DO na na-issue natin just two days ago,” he added. 

(So far, we have no changes to announce in the amendatory DO that we issued just two days ago.)

Poa was referring to the DepEd Order (DO) No. 44, which allowed private schools to continue holding five-day face-to-face classes, a blended learning modality, or full distance learning starting November 2.

Public schools, meanwhile, are mandated to proceed with the full implementation of in-person classes next month except for those that are expressly provided an exemption by the Regional Director, those whose classes are automatically canceled due to disasters and calamities, and those implementing Alternative Delivery Modes.

Additionally, with the detection of XBB and XBC, Poa said that they are continuing their coordination with the Health department and other government agencies to monitor the health situation in schools.

He also reiterated that DepEd is letting local government units be the ones to provide data on COVID-19 infections in schools “to give accurate numbers to the public,” amid reports of COVID-19 cases in several educational institutions.

“Ayaw po natin ng conflicting numbers or figures ang binibigay natin and because all cases from schools have to be reported to the LESUs o ‘yung local epidemiology and surveillance units ng ating LGUs,” Poa said.

“We will defer po pagdating sa school level on the COVID cases sa ating mga LGUs dahil sila din ang nagve-verify ng mga na-report na COVID cases at sila rin po ang nagfo-follow up,” he added.

(We don't want to give conflicting numbers or figures. Also, all cases from schools have to be reported to the LESUs of our LGUs. We will defer the COVID cases in schools to our LGUs because they are the ones who verify the reported cases and they are also the ones who do the follow up.)

Both students and teachers may participate in face-to-face classes regardless of their vaccination status. —KG, GMA News